Celeb hairdresser cuts ribbon on college facility

A HAIRDRESSING guru took time out of his busy schedule styling the stars to officially open the new hair and beauty training centre at Sussex Coast College Hastings.

Patrick Cameron is widely considered the top of his trade as far as working with long hair is concerned and before he cut the ribbon on the college’s new on-side salon he gave a demonstration to more than 100 hairdressers and pupils.

And, according to hair and beauty course leader Jill Silverthorne, the visit went down a treat with pupils and staff alike.

“Patrick was a total star,” she said. “He is much more than a brilliant hairdresser; he is flamboyant, good-humoured and a brilliant performer.”

It was sentiment echoed by the college’s principal Janak Patel, who said: “Patrick spoke engagingly about the hair industry.

“He is clearly passionate about supporting the stylists of tomorrow. He was utterly charming and captivated our students, staff and visitors with his conversation and skill.”

And, judging by his reaction on the day, Mr Cameron was just as impressed by his hosts.

He told the Observer: “Students here have an amazing space to work in not least because of the fantastic natural light, which is essential for working on hair and colour.”

More than 300 full and part-time hair and beauty students will use the training centre inside the Station Plaza campus to hone their skills on real customers - with a professional working salon also set to open on the ground floor.

And staff were given a second boost after hearing hair care firm Wella - which provided the equipment for the centre - had named it a centre of excellence.

Paul Oscroft, the official representative of Wella Professionals, presented the college with an award at the official opened. He said: “Wella only gives this awards to the most exceptional training centres - those offering superior educational programme and facilities.

“I was very impressed with the college facilities and especially the commercial salon which will give the students the very best experience of what it is like in the work place.”